Abstract: Deepwater Drilling Systems and TLP/Spar Drilling/Production Systems Posters

Muriby, Karl, and Bruno Schauerte - ABB Vetco Gray

ABB Vetco Gray, a world leader in deepwater drilling and development systems, will present several posters on Deepwater Drilling Systems and TLP/Spar Drilling/Production Systems

The Deepwater Drilling Systems posters feature capital drilling equipment, including the SMS-700 wellhead, the SHD H-4 connector, the Class H, HMF Riser Connectors and Tensioning Rings, the Telescopic Riser Joint and a new Lightweight Composite Drilling Riser.

The equipment presented here is designed for use in high pressure, critical service and deepwater drilling and production applications. The pressure containing components of the system are rated for working pressures of 15,000 psi and all have exceptional tensile and bending load characteristics.

The new SHD H-4 connector accommodates 7 million ft. -lbs. of bending load capacity and provides a secure connection between the SMS-700 high pressure wellhead system and the subsea BOP stack. Its features include a field serviceable hydraulic system, VX/VGX gasket retainers, a passive release mechanism and a hydrate seal and flush ports for the removal of hydrates in deepwater applications.

The Class H (3.5 million lb. load carrying capacity) HMF Flanged Riser connectors, the HMF riser joints, flex joints, telescopic joints and fluid-bearing, non-integral tensioner rings comprise the marine riser system. A new Lightweight Advanced Composite Drilling Riser, composed of advanced composite materials that are more fatigue tolerant, corrosion resistant and lower in weight than conventional steel risers, has been developed and is near readiness for field trials. These components of the riser system can compensate for heave and offset of the drilling vessel while maintaining integrity between the subsea BOP stack and the surface during drilling operations.

The TLP/Spar Drilling/Production Systemsposters feature systems currently being used on TLP and Spar developments, including drilling risers, production/export risers, tensioners, surface wellheads and production trees subsea wellheads and tiebacks, and tendon connection systems.

The riser components used on TLP and Spar developments are designed to compensate for dynamic movement between the seafloor and the surface platform, during both the drilling and production phases of the development.

Completion can be either at the seafloor, with subsea trees and production tiebacks (to the surface or a subsea manifold), or at the surface with conventional production trees. Several completion options for TLP and Spar developments are shown.

New connection designs for TLP tendons are also shown.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90933©1998 ABGP/AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil